Liberal Democrats defeat Government and gains victory for home buyers and sellers

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 4th Nov 2004

The Liberal Democrats have secured a great deal for homebuyers and sellers, as the Government suffered a defeat of 179 to 132 votes over an amendment on home information packs. The vote on the amendment to the Housing Bill carried huge cross-bench support for a long-standing Liberal Democrat commitment to allow home information packs to be created on a voluntary basis.

Baroness Hamwee, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson in the House of Lords said:

"This is a great result for both home sellers and buyers. Liberal Democrats have long argued that it is the consumers who must be the focus of any new proposals. The Government is in no position to impose a scheme when it is so far from knowing what can actually be achieved.

"This amendment is a perfect solution as it provides an excellent test for the Government's proposals without forcing consumers to sign up."